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1 ETCF II is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS TOBB

2 This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. Published by EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB. Editorial Committee: Pınar Erdil and Juliette Loppé (EUROCHAMBRES) Designed and printed by Morris and Chapman. The ETCF II final brochure is a EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB product. Contents of the brochure may be reproduced, provided the source is explicitly mentioned.

3 ETCF II is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey CIVIL SOCIETY DIALOGUE EU-TURKEY CHAMBERS FORUM II CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB 2014 TOBB

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5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 7 Part 1. Activities aimed at improving the knowledge of Turkish Chambers on EU legislation and policies Surveys on the perspective of the business community towards EU-Turkey relations The EU Training Programme and the database of Turkish experts on EU affairs The EU acquis audit 21 Part 2. Activities aimed at enhancing the abilities of Turkish Chambers to generate value-added services to their members EUROCHAMBRES Academies Study visits in the EU Partnerships between Chambers from Turkey and the EU 30 CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 5

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7 INTRODUCTION EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB have been cooperating for the last thirteen years, in particular through the implementation of EU funded projects, to improve mutual knowledge and understanding between business communities both in the EU and in Turkey with the aim of improving the awareness of the opportunities and challenges of Turkey s accession to the EU within both civil societies. We are proud, today, to present you the outcomes of the second phase of the EU-Turkey Chambers Forum (ETCF II) which has been designed and implemented in this context. We would like to stress that despite the often adverse political conditions in the EU-Turkey relationship during the three year implementation period of the project, the business community from both sides has shown a strong and constant interest in cooperating in the various ETCF II activities; thus insuring the success of the overall project. 63 Chambers Commodity Exchanges from all over Turkey and 46 Chambers from the EU have participated in at least one of the ETCF II activities. The implementation of the different activities has, firstly, shown that the relations with Turkey are important for the EU business community and vice versa. In this context, it is important to better communicate on the massive mutual economic benefits brought by the implementation of the Customs Union between the EU and Turkey, as well as by Turkey s accession process to the EU. During the implementation of this project, the business community has also confirmed that if the EU-Turkey relationship is based on a strong and deep economic integration, this relationship could be even stronger and deeper. It would be crucial to further untap the potential for trade and investment between Turkey and the EU by improving the business environment in Turkey, as well as better promoting the Turkish market in the EU, and vice versa. Finally, the surveys carried out in the context of the project have highlighted that both business communities largely believe that Turkey will join the EU by It is therefore essential that companies from both sides are ready for Turkey s accession whenever it happens. Turkish companies should intensify their efforts to successfully adapt to and comply with acquis requirements so that they can be competitive in an enlarged Europe. Chambers/commodity exchanges have a central role to play in meeting these challenges. We, in EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB, will continue to support in a very practical manner our members in assisting Turkish companies in their economic integration process and companies from both sides in maximising business opportunities in the other market. In these challenging times, we strongly believe that the business community can contribute to re-energise the EU-Turkey relationship. Richard Weber President of EUROCHAMBRES M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu President of TOBB Deputy President of EUROCHAMBRES CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 7

8 TURKISH CHAMBERS COMMODITY AND EXCHANGES PARTICIPATING IN ETCF II ACTIVITIES Turkish Chambers who participated in the EU Training Programme Turkish Chambers who participated in the EUROCHAMBRES Academies Turkish Chambers who participated in the Acquis Audit Turkish Chambers who participated in study visits Turkish Leaders of the partnership projects 8 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

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12 ACTIVITIES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE KNOWLEDGE OF TURKISH CHAMBERS ON EU LEGISLATION AND POLICIES 12 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

13 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 1.1. SURVEYS ON THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TOWARDS EU-TURKEY RELATIONS In the framework of the ETCF II project, two detailed and unique surveys were conducted among Turkish and EU companies on their perspective towards EU-Turkey relations. Not only the results of both surveys highlighted the strong mutual interest of both business communities in deepening their relations and in improving their mutual understanding, but they stressed that more than half of the companies both in the EU and in Turkey believe that Turkey will be a member of the EU by The Survey among Turkish companies on Corporate preparations in Turkey for EU membership The second edition of this survey provides, five years after the first edition, an assessment of the awareness and readiness of Turkish enterprises to comply with the EU acquis, as well as of their opinion on EU accession. More than 3,700 Turkish companies from all regions, size and sectors, participated in the survey, allowing the report to provide representative insights into the development of attitudes and expectations of the Turkish business community in view of Turkey s EU accession. The most striking finding is that Turkish companies remain strong supporters of Turkey s accession to the EU. Like in 2008, three quarters of the surveyed companies are in favour of joining the EU. The survey also highlights that since the first edition of the survey, participating Turkish companies are not only more familiar with the accession negotiation process (23% against 17% in 2008) and the EU acquis (45% against 39% in 2008), but they are more interested in acquiring information on the EU business related acquis. It s however important to stress that this knowledge remains still at a relatively low level. Companies are not yet fully aware about the true challenges of complying with the acquis. The lack of EUrelated information seems to coincide with a lack of exploitation of available information. Finally, the survey results stress that 78% of Turkish companies reported to have already started preparations to comply with the EU acquis, which represents a slight improvement since 2008 (84%). The survey among European companies on EU -Turkey relations: perspectives from the European business community A mirror survey was also launched among European companies. The survey carried out among 1,700 companies from all over the EU, provided insight into the perspectives of European companies towards Turkey, both from a business and enlargement angle. The survey results revealed that European companies do not feel properly informed about both the Turkish market and Turkey s EU accession process. However, they have expressed a fairly high level of interest in Turkey both from a trade and enlargement angle. In addition, the majority of the participating companies considered that even if the Customs Union has overall been successful, it should still be improved. The survey also confirmed that European companies are divided regarding the impact of Turkey s potential EU membership on their company, but also on the whole society. However, almost three quarters of European companies (72%) believe that Turkey will join the European Union one day, among which more than half believe it will happen by The large dissemination of both surveys among the policymakers, business community and the press both in the EU and in Turkey largely contributed to enhance the debate on Turkey s EU membership. The findings of the 2 surveys were supported by the results of the acquis audit activity. CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 13

14 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme A conference on EU-Turkey Relations: Perspectives from the business community was held in Brussels on 10 April 2014 to present the results of the surveys. Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Turkish Minister for EU affairs, Mr M. Rifat Hısarcıklıoğlu, Deputy President of EUROCHAMBRES and President of TOBB and Mr Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES participated in this high-level event. Following the presentation of the surveys, Ms Alexandra Cas Granje, Director for Turkey, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Iceland in DG Enlargement (European Commission), Mr Cveto Stantič, Member of European Economic and Social Committee and Co-President of the Turkey-EU Joint Consultative Committee, Mr Markus Stock, Head of EU Office, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), as well as Ms Pınar Eczacıbaşı, Managing Partner GP Trust, Chairwoman Turkish-Belgium Business Council- DEIK, Chair- Strategic Network -IVCI (Istanbul Venture Capital İnitiative) and Mr Jan Mortier, Commercial Director, Sioen Industries Coating Division participated in a fruitful and lively discussion on the main findings of the surveys. About 80 representatives from EU institutions, the Mission of Turkey to the EU, Turkish and European press and business representatives from the EU and Turkey participated in the conference. 14 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

15 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme SURVEY AMONG EUROPEAN COMPANIES TURKEY S EU MEMBERSHIP WOULD BRING... (1) WHEN WILL TURKEY BE IN POSITION TO JOIN THE EU? 30% 20% 16% 30% 31% 12% 37% 19% 27% 21% 22% 9% For your company Generally speaking 8% 18% Do not have an opinion A balance between benefits and challenges In less than 10 years 15 years later Never Mainly challenges 10 years later in more than 15 years Do not know Mainly benefits SURVEY AMONG TURKISH COMPANIES ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF JOINING THE EU? WHEN WILL TURKEY JOIN THE EU? No 20% Do not know 5% Never 28% In less than 10 years 32% Yes 75% In more than 15 years 13% 15 years later 8% 10 years later 19% CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 15

16 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 1.2. THE EU TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR TURKISH CHAMBER EXECUTIVES Further to the success of the first edition of the EU Training Programme implemented in 2009 in the context of the first phase of the EU-Turkey Chambers Forum, a new cycle of training seminars on EU affairs for Turkish Chamber executives was launched under ETCF II. The second edition of the Survey on Corporate preparations in Turkey for EU membership highligthed not only that the level of awareness of Turkish companies on the EU legislation and the EU accession process remains low but that the Chamber network is still considered by Turkish companies as the primary source of information on EU affairs. To meet the expectations and needs of the companies, it is therefore essential to further develop the expertise in EU affairs within the Turkish Chamber network so that Chambers and Commmodity exchanges continue to develop and improve their services on EU affairs to their members. This second edition of the EU Training Programme implemented by EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB in association with the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara (Jean Monnet Center of Excellence), aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges with regards to the EU affairs and at ensuring synergies between providers of EU-related information The programme was organised in the Middle East Technical University - CES METU premises in Ankara. This new edition of the Programme was even more focused on the needs of Turkish businesses. Two levels were proposed to the Chamber executives: a basic Level for Chamber Executives without any background on EU affairs and an Advanced Level for Executives with experience in EU affairs but who needed to improve and update it. 20 scholars participated in each level. Programme courses were given in the form of 6 intensive and compulsory seminars for both levels, organised on a monthly basis over a period of two to four consecutive days from October 2012 to April The courses focused on the practical implications of European integration for the Turkish business community. The Faculty included experienced course leaders from extremely diverse backgrounds: academicians, representatives from the European Institutions, from Turkish Ministries and relevant public institutions, as well as experts from the Chamber network. The Programme was a unique opportunity for the participants to acquire a practical understanding of the functioning of the EU, the most effective way to influence EU policy-making and decision making process, as well as a deep knowledge on different EU topics of particular interest for Turkish businesses. They were also able to develop their network with EU practitioners. Following the successful completion of the Programme (written paper and oral test), participants were awarded with a certificate provided by METU and were included in the ETCF EU expert data base (see box bellow). The participants are recognised as EU experts, contact points on EU affairs within the Turkish Chamber network. 16 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

20 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme A database of Turkish Chambers experts on EU legislation had been developed in the first phase of EU-Turkey Chambers Forum. It includes in particular the EU Training Programmes speakers and participants. The graduates of the second edition of the EU Training Programme have been added to the database. The database is available to the Chamber network and the wider public as a recognised source of information for EU affairs on the ETCF website (www.etcf.org.tr), on TOBB s website (www.tobb.org.tr) and on EUROCHAMBRES website. The database will be regularly updated. Since Turkey s accession process to the EU is still ongoing and Turkish business community is recognized as a key player in the EU enlargement process, the Chambers have a considerable responsibility to support their members in this integration period. The EU Training Program was a great opportunity for me to gain practical understanding of the EU working mechanism and develop network with EU experts and Chamber executives from all over Turkey. The information and network, which I obtained during the training, will always be useful in my professional career and for the vision of my Chamber. During the EU Enlargement Process, the Chambers and Commodity Exchanges in Turkey play a vital role in order to inform the business community on the EU legislation. The Advanced Level of the EU Training Programme which is the first of its kind that lasted 7 months and was delivered by distinguished experts and combined both academic and practical approaches. One of the major benefits of the intensive EU Training Programme is the networking opportunity for the participants with the colleagues from Turkey and with the EU experts. Besides, the Chambers which took part in the programme are recognised as contact points on EU affairs. It has been my honour and privilege to participate in the Advanced Level of the EU Training Programme. I would like to thank all the people involved in it. İsmail Öztürk Foreign Relations Expert Eskişehir Chamber of Industry Dinçer EMİR Foreign Economic Relations Manager Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 20 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

21 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 1.3. EU ACQUIS AUDIT Thanks to the EU acquis audit not only the level of awareness of Turkish Chambers and companies on relevant EU legislation in the 6 specific sectors has improved, but also the participating Chambers have now the capacity to continue to perform such audits independently to the project. 242 Turkish companies were audited on their compliance with EU regulations on 6 specific topics: environment, consumer protection, health and safety at work, foodstuff, chemicals and products requiring CE marking. The acquis audits were carried out by 24 Turkish Chamber experts who had been trained and assisted through the whole process by four experts from EU Chambers. A report based on the results of the acquis audit was published, providing a comprehensive overview of the level of acquis compliance of Turkish companies on the 6 acquis chapters. The four EU acquis audit experts developed a diagnostic toolkit including detailed checklists translating relevant EU legislation into a series of questions that the companies answered and the auditors verified. The toolkit also provided the companies with an overview of what they need to comply with to be fully EU fit. The EU acquis audit experts trained, in February 2012, 24 Turkish Chamber executives on relevant acquis provisions and on how to use the diagnostic toolkit. They participated in the first company visit of each Turkish expert and assisted the Turkish experts throughout the whole activity. They finally contributed to the acquis audit final report. The EU acquis audit experts were: Antonija Bozic Cerar, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, responsible for the EU acquis audit on environment. Christian Mandl, Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ), responsible for the EU acquis audits on health and safety at work and consumer protection. Markus Stock, Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ) responsible for the EU acquis audit on products covered by the New Approach providing for CE marking. Luc Van Looveren, Antwerp-Waasland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, responsible for the EU acquis audits on foodstuff and chemicals. CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 21

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